Electronics
 
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Electronics
  Each battery is 17 amp hour capacity and together will operate the Sky Commander, Sky Tracker and drive motors, plus the DC converter and clutch activation motors, in addition to the diagonal heater and eyepiece heater and the two primary mirror fans (when needed) for a duration of approximately 14 hours.  The option is also available to power all components from an outside 12VDC source.  The scope is computer controlled through the Sky Tracker by a remote laptop running the Guide8 planetarium software by Project Pluto.
The Converter is a DC/DC International Power Sources unit.  More information on the converter is available in the Clutch Mechanism section		  
 
Main terminal box   Terminal area
The terminal/fuse box is used for both 12 and 24VDC circuitry.  The encoder low voltage circuitry is routed outside this box to prevent RF interference.   The low voltage circuitry is routed through the left hand terminals to provide separation from the 12VDC circuitry (right) to prevent RF interference.  All low voltage encoder and computer cables are shielded.
 
Wire guide   Lower pivot bolt
Azimuth encoder is mounted into the aluminum adapter that is pictured slightly above the pivot bolt.   Lower portion of the pivot bolt with locking nut installed
 
  Az Encoder

Azimuth encoder mounted to take-up spool mechanism.  Spool is 8" diameter and the four holes provide access to lower part of the spool mechanism pictured above left.

  
     
 
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